The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

Opinion

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June 22, 2010

Not just nostalgia

Van Buren Cruisers add to Enid's quality of life

Enid News and Eagle

It brought back memories of an earlier, simpler time, and the people of Enid and surrounding areas loved it.

The Van Buren Cruisers Reunion, which took place last weekend, definitely was a hit with the community, and it is just about everyone’s hope this becomes an annual tradition.

Hats off to organizer and Chisholm grad Darla Robbins and others who worked so hard to make this event a reality. If you were out on Van Buren Friday or Saturday night, you probably wondered if you were part of a parade. The streets and parking lots were lined with people, cool sports cars and motorcycles, and it had a true family atmosphere.

The event drew thousands out to cruise up and down Van Buren in their cars, motorcycles, trucks or specialty vehicles for two nights. Several local businesses also volunteered their parking lots for people to park in, talk or just wave at the cruisers going by.

Enid Police Department has even given the event a thumbs up, and officers are enthusiastic about helping make this a safe, family-filled event each year.

We think Father’s Day weekend is a perfect annual date, and we see lots of opportunities for business and civic organization sponsorships — and perhaps money can be raised for a charity or two. We also see some opportunities for bands or music venues to become a part of this event.

This whole thing started with Internet social networking, and it shows just how powerful and influential this medium can be for a positive community event. It’s home-grown events like this that help improve the quality of life we enjoy in Enid.

We look forward to the Van Buren Cruisers Reunion 2011!

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